How do you load a reluctant horse or a never before trailered horse? You need nothing more than your hands and a guiding rope.
In my travels I've seen horses being whipped or winched onto a trailer too many times. In fact, last summer I got a broken finger trying to stop a man from whipping the horse that I was trying to load quietly. He thought that he was helping me but what he did was put me in a very dangerous position... stuck in the trailer with a highly aggitated horse.
So, when people find that they can't load their horse by whipping him or using other scare tactics, they call me to come and load their horse for them. Now my job is a little tougher because the owner has shown the horse to fear the trailer. I have to show the horse that the trailer is really okay. Very confusing for the horsey!
'Difficult Loader' Clinics with Trish Craig
'Patience is the key to a good loading experience'.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to load your horse the right way the first time!
If you ever want your horse to
get back onto a trailer again...
you've got to do it right the first time!
It's okay for the horse to go on and come off several times. It's okay if he wants to stand with just his front legs in. It's NOT okay to shut the door behind him as soon as he walks on. It's NOT okay to force him or 'winch' him into the trailer. Don't be in a hurry! Allow him all the time that he needs to feel comfortable about going in. Next time, it won't take nearly as long, I promise! Horses are very willing to do whatever we ask of them as long as we ask them nicely, we have some patience and they know that we are in charge.
This clinic will teach you how to load even the most difficult horse with ease... and no whips required!!
And, you'll learn what loading methods are against the law. You'll be shocked!
(Private lessons are also available)
